Just like Jason Aldean sings, going out to a Country bar to dance is My Kinda of Party! After a long work week, there is nothing a redneck Romeo, or a tan-legged Juliet, enjoys more than getting cleaned up, putting on some Wrangler jeans, a nice shirt and Cowboy boots, then heading out to one of our local dance clubs here in Phoenix. Nothing says romance more than social partner dancing to great Country music and kickin’ up your heels in the Arizona dirt at a spot where the Jack and Coke’s are flowing freely. There also the hope that the when the music and moonshine stop flowing, that dancing has opened the doors for new friendships… and even romance. 🙂

Did you know that in  2009, Country music was the most listened to rush hour radio genre during the evening commute, and second most popular music in the morning commute in the United States? It’s true! Country music is a genre of American popular music that originated in Southern United States, in Bristol, Tennessee in the 1920s. It takes its roots from the southeastern genre of American folk music and Western music combined. Country music often consists of ballads and dance tunes with generally simple forms and harmonies accompanied by mostly string instruments such as banjos, electric and acoustic guitars, and fiddles as well as harmonicas.

Country dancing was originally intended for general participation, unlike folk dances such as clogging, which are primarily concert dances, and ballroom dances in which dancers dance with their partners independent of others. Bright, rhythmic and simple, Country dances had appeal as a refreshing finale to an evening of stately dances such as the minuet.

These days, Country Western partner dancing is a popular form of social dancing. Key dances include the Country Swing,  Two Step, Waltz, Cowboy or Traveling Cha Cha, Polka, Ten Step (also known as Ten Step Polka), Schottische, and other Western promenade dances, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, and Nightclub Two Step. The Two Step and various Western promenade or pattern couples dances are unique to Country Western dancing. Western group dances include Line Dancing and Square Dancing (both modern and traditional).

Country dancing is informal, mostly because of comfortable gear from Cowboy boots to jeans and plaid shirts. Country Western dancing is more likely to feature a flat-footed glide with some heel and toe touches rather than a lot of “toe type” dancing. In addition to a quiet upper body, there is very little hip movement. Pumping of the hands, bouncing, and waddling are not encouraged.

Now that you know a little bit about Country dancing, it’s time to get out there and learn to Country dance yourself! If you’re looking for the fastest way to become a confident Country dancer, start with private dance lessons. Discovering dance at your pace with the assistance of a qualified instructor will make all of the difference in the world.

For Country dance lessons in Arizona, visit us at Dance FX Studios! We are located in the Phoenix East Valley, just off the 101 highway for your convenience. With students that visit us from all over the valley and beyond, we are excited to show you too how to Country dance with ease. Check out our New Student Offer for a sample of how we teach Country dancing for beginners. Once you take that first step into our studio, the fun and excitement of Country dancing will begin!